The 2014 focus of the Empowering Women Programs is Kairos: Challenges and Responsibilities of Palestinian Women Today.

The first of the two workshops held in Bethlehem dealt with the sanctity of life from both a theological and social perspective, co-existence in a pluralistic society and the revival of a unified vision in the women’s movement. The workshop was attended by over 60 women of all walks of life from the Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour triangle, as well as from Jerusalem and other parts of Palestine. Group work focused on local and international laws for women’s rights to be secured, education, non-violent resistance and practical examples of the use of the Kairos concept to act now.

A committee of 11 was appointed to follow-up and a second workshop with responsible officials from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the Ministry of Education and leading women’s organizations highlighted the shared responsibilities possible under an oppressive occupation. Over 20 women participated in the second workshop and many will take part in the international conference organized by the National YWCA of Palestine in partnership with other organizations, including Kairos Palestine at the end of September 2014 to discuss the protection and participation of women at times of war as in resolution 1325, and more importantly, the implementation and accountability of such laws.

The Empowering Women Program aims at achieving positive change in religious, legal and political structures that will ensure equal rights and respect in Palestinian society.